Xanax and Alcohol

Mixing Xanax with Alcohol

Alcohol and Xanax do not go together. Here’s why. Xanax is administered for mental instability and anxiety. Intake of alcohol worsens anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Both are CNS depressants and together can slow down brain activity to a dangerous level leading even to coma. If you are an occasional drinker you run lesser risks but it would be a good idea to wait for your course to be over before you resume even your social drinks. For those who like to drink regularly, well you have to stop. Your alcohol intake will otherwise cause havoc with Xanax in your system.

Can I Combine Xanax and Alcohol?

Alprazolam is a central nervous system depressant and so is alcohol. They are both meant to slow down the activity in your brain. If you combine the intake of the two then you could face severe and ta times fatal consequences. It is easy to give into a drink if you are depressed or anxious. But alcohol actually worsens instead of helping a mental imbalance situation. So if your doctor has recommended Xanax to need to stay on the wagon for a while.

Why Xanax and Alcohol should not be mixed

Xanax is the brand name for Alprazolam drugs. Alprazolam, like all other benzodiazepines, is a known CNS depressant. It is given for anxiety disorder as it can work on the brain to bring about a calming effect. It causes sedative effects like confusion and mental fogginess, drowsiness and irregular motor coordination.

The most common alcohol type found in beer, wines and hard drinks is Ethanol. Ethanol is also a CNS depressant and intake of Ethanol leads to psychoactive effects similar to Alprazolam. Though they are readily available over the counters they do come with warnings in small print – do not take this if you are on certain medications. It would be wise to heed the warnings attached to both the alcohol as well as the medicine bottles.

It is this similarity that makes doctors and pharmacist advice against mixing the two. If taken together they can combine and worsen the depressive and sedative effects which could lead to serious side effects. Alcohol leads to intoxication which could magnify the sedative effects of Xanax and in turn lead to severe cognitive and physiological impairment.

Side Effects of Xanax and Alcohol

Combining Xanax and alcohol intake could lead to serious side effects. Here’s a glimpse:

Dizziness and Drowsiness

Impaired motor coordination

Mood swings and depression

Erratic heart rate or unusual slowing down

Difficulty in breathing

Memory loss and confusion

Coma and even death.

People with mental problems are more prone to alcohol and drug abuse. These seem to be easy ways to relief their pain and discomfort. In reality however these cause more harm than help. For those suffering from panic attacks and anxiety disorders, it would be good to avoid addictive elements like alcohol altogether. Also they are susceptible to Xanax abuse and should be monitored closely. In both cases, one should closely collaborate with doctors to get the best out of the medication.